Wigan Warriors: Sean O'Loughlin may miss rest of season

An Achilles injury could prevent captain Sean O'Loughlin from playing for Wigan Warriors again this season.

O'Loughlin, who has struggled with a calf problem for many weeks, has been advised by a specialist to remain in a protective boot for around a month.

There is an outside chance, however, that he could be involved if Wigan reach the Grand Final on 5 October.

"Knowing 'Lockers' as I do, he responds well to treatment and he looks after himself," said head coach Shaun Wane.

"It's a blow that he won't be with us for these four weeks but we need to get on with it and win games without him, which we have done this year, and give him a chance of playing in those big games," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

Loose forward O'Loughlin led Wigan to Challenge Cup final victory against Hull FC at Wembley last month.

The 30-year-old is expected to be part of England's squad for the World Cup, which begins at the end of October, and his participation in the tournament is not thought to be in doubt.

The Warriors round off their Super League campaign with a home fixture against reigning champions Leeds and will finish third in the table if they avoid defeat at the DW Stadium.